Gihon Springs is Genesis 12:3 coming to life! “I will bless those who bless thee.” A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to support fellow believers in Israel.
It was 1976 and Pastor Chuck Smith and Kay Smith were taking their first tour to the Holy Land. Pastor Chuck invited Karyn and I be the bus pastor over the 2nd bus… we were so excited! Karyn's mom had been on Pastor Chuck's first tour to Israel in 1972. It totally changed her walk with the Lord.
The 1976 tour stole our hearts as well! We were hooked and overwhelmed. We knew we had to go back to Israel with Calvary Chapel of Downey. We fell deeply in love with everything Israel had to offer us- the land, the people, the traditions, the holidays, and its rich Biblical history.
The Word of God became tangible and touchable. Our tour guide David Kidron, became one of my closest personal friends. He unlocked the City of Jerusalem to us. All the ancient stones spoke to us of its holiness and heaviness. A city steeped and layered in faith. For the last 46 years we have returned every year- sometimes twice a year with our own tours and our high school seniors. We have built genuine friendships, family through adoption, and brothers and sisters in Yeshua (Jesus) all over the entire country. Our hope has always been that “someday” we could go to Israel for an extended time.
It has been my greatest joy and honor to serve as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel of Downey. After much prayer and a strong leading from the Lord, I have stepped down from that position to that of one being sent to serve, support, encourage and worship with Israeli believers. As the Pastor at Downey for 50 years, we have supported Israel every month since 1973. God gave the mandate to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless thee (Israel). This is a verse that comes with a promise to us. Years ago Karyn asked Moise Rosen, who was the President of Jews for Jesus at that time, “What is the best way to support Israel?” He told her “Bless Israel with Jesus!” That my dear brothers and sisters is exactly what Karyn and I have planned to do.
GIHON SPRINGS
Gihon Springs was the only source of water to Jerusalem for in the days of Jesus. Jesus refers to Himself as “living water”, a gushing fountain that He is so willing to give out. (John 17).
A Printing press that gives out books and Bibles for free,
A Pro-life ministry that is helping Israelis to choose life.
An outreach dedicated to assisting 18 year olds who must to serve in the IDF, 3 years for boys and 2 years for girls, to maintain their strong belief in Yeshua and many more.
Bible College in the Galilee region
Calvary Chapel Tel Aviv, feeding the homeless including assisting in many of their needs.
If you want to support this new and growing ministry to Israel we would welcome your help. We will be sending out a newsletter sharing all the ministries. Pray for the Lord to use this ministry to bless the nation of Israel in Jesus name.
All donations are tax deductible.
Genesis 12:3, “I will bless those who bless thee.”
Agape,
Pastor Jeff + Karyn Johnson
Gihon Springs P.O Box 3681 Seal Beach CA, 90740